It's been a year and a half since I read City of Ghosts. I've been eagerly anticipating the return of Chess and Terrible. Like Ellie, I was nervous abIt's been a year and a half since I read City of Ghosts. I've been eagerly anticipating the return of Chess and Terrible. Like Ellie, I was nervous about reading Sacrificial Magic because I felt that even though we all got what we wanted at the end of CoG (Chess and Terrible together at last), that Chess was going to do something in SM to mess it all up. Chess isn't known for being level-headed and making the best decisions. And that has not changed. If anything, I feel like Chess has regressed instead of progressed. For me, it's been a year and half but in Downside world, only a few months have passed since the end of City of Ghosts. So my expectations for Chess to be more mature and have her shit together were high. Unfortunately she couldn't even meet the lowest of expectations for me.

I went into reading Sacrificial Magic with such high expectations and maybe that's my own fault and why it didn't wow me like I expected it to. The first thing that bugged me was Chess. I know she's a hot mess of a person and has issues out the wazoo but she really pissed me off in this book. The one thing that many people didn't like about Unholy Ghosts was Chess's drug habit. I felt that it was part of who she was as a character so it never bothered me...until now. Every single time she popped some Cepts and chased it back with bottled water (this description was used a lot) I rolled my eyes. I couldn't help myself! My thought was "really Chess? You're going to chose NOW to get your high on?" There's a scene where Chess is high off her ass and acting crazy and Terrible is involved and some things are said. I am not going into details but it was at that point where I decided that I wasn't going to like Chess at all in this book. Chess and Terrible, but mainly Chess, said some things that pretty much could ruin Chess and Terrible's tenuous relationship. The fall-out from it was all of Chess's fault because she's an insecure dumbass!

Chess's insecurity in her relationship with Terrible drove me crazy. She constantly whined about how Terrible didn't trust her when it was her who didn't trust him. And honestly, she hasn't really given Terrible a good reason to trust her based on their past. And thanks to her drug habit, she's helping both sides! Bump, the drug dealer pimp that Terrible works for, and Lex, her former lover and current drug-dealer. So if anyone should have trust issues, it should be Terrible, not her.

I know that Chess isn't perfect. That's what made me like her! But she did so much foolish crap in Sacrificial Magic that she had me yelling at my Kindle and uttering the 4 words that I never thought I would associate with Chess - Too Stupid To Live. She had many TSTL moments in SM and I couldn't help but shake my head and strangle my Kindle while pretending it's Chess's neck.

I had major issues with Chess in this book that I've never had in the previous 3. But also, I felt that the overall story was slow and boring. I didn't feel the immediate pull that I was expecting and it was hard for me to stay engrossed. Sacrificial Magic got off to a slow start. I don't know if it's because it's been awhile since I've been in that world but it took me awhile to get into it. I felt that the ending was drawn out longer than it needed to and I found myself not interested in the resolution of catching the ghost and finding out who summoned it. At one point, Chess does a mental checklist of who has died under her watch as churchwitch. And when I read it, I thought "Chess is the worst churchwitch ever!" She is always two steps behind and she's figuring things out after the fact. So maybe this girl ain't as great as I made her up to be.

Despite all my issues with Chess, I still love the series. I do wish there was more Terrible in this book. The lack of Terrible and Bump was a little disappointing. I love Bump and he's great for comic relief. I have a feeling that Lex will never go away and now I'm not sure I want to. After reading Sacrificial Magic, I've come to the conclusion that Chess doesn't deserve Terrible. I think I need her to hit rock bottom again so that she can truly get it together if that's even possible. She needs to lose everything including her job as churchwitch. Maybe that's mean but she really pissed me off in this one.

Again, I still love the series and I can't wait to read Chasing Magic to see if Chess redeems herself in my eyes. Cause my opinion is the only one that matters, right? LOL!

I normally write a brief summary of a book before I delve into my review. I can't seem to get my thoughts together to write a non-spoilery one for ArcI normally write a brief summary of a book before I delve into my review. I can't seem to get my thoughts together to write a non-spoilery one for Archangel's Blade. If you've read the first 3 books in the series, you know that Dmitri is Raphael's Second. Dmitri has always been an interesting character in the previous 3 books and I was excited to see him have his own book.

Even though Dmitri is the hero in this book, his character is not watered down. He's still as dark and dangerous as in the previous books. We finally get a bird's eye view of what is going on in Dmitri's head and it is not pretty. Honor works for the Guild Hunter and is recovering from her own traumatic experience. Being paired up with Dmitri probably isn't the best thing for her recovery but she is determined to do her job.

Archangel's Blade started off a little slow for me. It took about 100 pages for me to get caught up in the story. This is probably my own issue and not reflective of the book itself. But once I was finally pulled into the story, I could not put the book down. Dmitri is sexy and dangerous. Honor is on edge when she's around him but can't help but be attracted to him. Dmitri understands what Honor is after - revenge. Revenge on the people that tortured and violated her for two months. Revenge is something that Dmitri is familiar with and is more than willing to help Honor dish it out.

Throughout Archangel's Blade, Dmitri has flashbacks to his past. Even though Dmitri is over a thousand years old, his past is always with him, never forgotten. These peeks into Dmitri's head and heart humanizes him even though he stresses that his humanity died a long time ago. The longer Dmitri is around Honor, a little bit of his humanity returns. He is her protector. He knows what she was gone through and he is determined to help her fight back. There is one scene where Dmitri does something that he swore he would never do to Honor. Her reaction was quick and violent. Dmitri realizes what he has done and what he does to beg her forgiveness brought a tear to my eye.

There is a lot going on in this book but the plot doesn't get confusing. Raphael and Elena are on the sidelines, helping Dmitri and Honor along with Venom, Jason and my favorite, Illium. Holly, a survivor of Uram's attack, story develops more and I hope to see more of her in future books. Her story is getting more interesting as she is slowly changing into maybe one of Uram's creations.

Archangel's Blade is one of the best books of the series. Dmitri as the hero and love interest did not disappoint. Both Honor and Dmitri are broken and I loved how they came together to help each other heal. The only thing that bothered me was hints of Honor's past that was sprinkled throughout the book and came to a conclusion at the end. I found that to be too convenient and coincidental. I suspected half-way through the book that this may be the direction Honor and Dmitri's relationship was headed but I didn't like it. But it gave them a neat HEA wrapped up in a pretty bow. And after what those two have been through, they definitely deserve it.

I love Tina Folsom's Scanguards Vampires series. The series is hot and sexy. As we're introduced to more Scanguards employees, I can't wait for each bI love Tina Folsom's Scanguards Vampires series. The series is hot and sexy. As we're introduced to more Scanguards employees, I can't wait for each book.

As much as I love the series, Yvette's Haven fell flat for me. Yvette is a kick ass vamp who is used to being alone. She is standoffish and as of book 3, didn't like her co-worker's burgeoning relationships. I knew it would take a special kind of man to make Yvette let down her guard. Haven and Yvette first meet each other at a party where Yvette is working as a bodyguard for an up-and-coming actress. Haven is that same party to take out the vampire bodyguard and kidnap the actress. Haven's brother is in a bind, yet again, and is indebted to a witch. Haven manages to kidnap both Yvette and the actress, Kimberly, she was protecting. Needless to say, the witch double crossed him and all 4 of them are trapped and at her mercy.

The first half of the book takes place with Yvette, Haven, his brother and Kimberly being locked in a room. This part of the book dragged for me. After a while, it seemed to take forever for them to be rescued. And with Haven being a vampire hunter and because of his hatred of vampires, I found it hard to believe that we was able to overlook the fact that Yvette was a vamp. Yes, he was conflicted and yes she did prove that she's not out to kill them, but Little Haven seemed to do all the thinking for Big Haven. I thought the big reveal about Kimberly was a little too convenient and I had it pegged the moment they were locked up by the witch.

For the most part, I couldn't get into the story. It wasn't as sexy and previous books. Tina knows how to write hot sex scenes and for me, the sexual chemistry was lacking. There was more sexual tension and chemistry when they weren't actually having sex than when they did have sex. I expected more from Yvette and I didn't get it. We learn about her human past and why she is obsessed with getting pregnant. I hope that we continue on with Yvette's journey to Motherhood. There was also a lot of set up for Zane's book which I think will be interesting. I found it interesting and unique his obsession with hair. Apparently when he was turned, his head was shaved bald so he will never be able to grow hair as a vampire.

Even though Yvette's Haven was a little disappointing, this series is still a must buy for me. I can't wait for the next book in the series....more

I have been eagerly awaiting Zane's book. He is such a dark and violent character and with each installment of the series, I found him even more intriI have been eagerly awaiting Zane's book. He is such a dark and violent character and with each installment of the series, I found him even more intriguing. Tina Folsom did not disappoint with Zane's Redemption. I could not put this book down and read it in one day.

After brutally murdering a rapist in an alley and leaving the evidence behind, Samson is finally fed up with Zane. In order to teach Zane a lesson and give him one last chance, Zane is reduced to bodyguard duty as punishment. Portia is a half-breed vampire. She's attending the local college and living the life of a "normal" 20 year old. Portia doesn't know much about being a half-vampire. She's never bitten anyone and she learns from her friend Lauren who is also a half-breed that if Portia doesn't have sex before her 21st birthday, when her body stops aging, she will remain a virgin. Angry that her father kept this from her, Portia confronts him. As her birthday approaches, Portia is determined to get rid of her V card.

Portia's father hires Scanguards to watch over his daughter while he's out of town. He gives the impression that Portia is a wild-child and a trouble maker. Samson decides this is the perfect job for Zane to cool his heels. When Portia and Zane meet, the attraction is instantaneous. What Zane thought would be a boring "babysitting" job is turning out to be much more. And he may end up losing everything if he can't keep his distance.

In Zane's Redemption, we find out Zane's background and how he was turned. Zane's past is horrific and violent. Zane has been living his life seeking revenge of the men who tortured him in a Jewish internment camp. He has kept himself emotionally distant from everyone in his life. No one knows who Zane is beyond what he is willing to show, which isn't much. Zane's character was developed so well. He was no longer the violent, loner vampire from previous books. What he went through as a human, shaped who he became once he was turned. You felt sympathy for him and understood his need for revenge.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like Portia or not. With her being young (even though she's an adult) I didn't think I would be able to relate to her. Though Portia grew up in a protective shell (her father) she is a surprisingly independent woman. I loved that she as able to one up Zane and wasn't afraid to stand toe-to-toe. She was not intimidated by the scary vampire. The chemistry between those two was off the charts and even though they didn't have sex until late in the book, the build up was scorching hot!

There are a lot of twists and surprises in Zane's Redemption. I loved the introduction of new characters which means that can only mean more Scanguards books in the future. The plot is fast-paced and engaging. The characters and storyline are well-developed. A great addition to the series. Probably my favorite book of the series so far. You will not be able to put this book down.

This book can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend you read the previous 4 books to fully understand what is going on.

When I read a Jill Shalvis book I expect humor, romance, off the charts sexual chemistry along with a quirky, funny heroine and a sexy, hot, alpha herWhen I read a Jill Shalvis book I expect humor, romance, off the charts sexual chemistry along with a quirky, funny heroine and a sexy, hot, alpha hero. She did not disappoint with Time Out.

I love stories where the hero and heroine already have an established history. Rainey and Mark have known each other all their lives. Rainey, at one point, wanted to lose her virginity to Mark but her plans didn't work out the way she anticipated. Now Mark is back and he finds the grown up, adult Rainey hard to resist.

Time Out is the perfect read on a cold, winter's afternoon. The sexual tension between Mark and Rainey is scorching hot. I love how despite Rainey's determination to stay as far away from Mark as possible, he's in her face at every turn. She can't get rid of him. And the more she's around him, the more she's thinking maybe she doesn't want to get rid of him.

Jill Shalvis knows how to write heroines who are normal and relatable. Rainey is never vamped up and most of the time she's not looking her best whenever Mark is around. When they first see each other, she is soaked from head to toe thanks to the kids spraying her with water at the car wash. Rainey's attempts at seduction are not practiced or rehearsed and sometimes the results are funny (a failed striptease that was hilarious).

Time Out is another hit from Jill Shalvis. I'm a huge fan so in my eyes she can do no wrong. I love how her stories incorporate humor, romance and mucho sexiness. And Time Out is no exception.

I enjoyed the story but felt that something was missing. And the quirkiness and antics of the citizens of Lucky Harbor got on my nerves. Full review tI enjoyed the story but felt that something was missing. And the quirkiness and antics of the citizens of Lucky Harbor got on my nerves. Full review to come....more

I don't know where to begin. First off, I absolutely love this series and it keeps getting better with each book. This is really not going to be a revI don't know where to begin. First off, I absolutely love this series and it keeps getting better with each book. This is really not going to be a review. Just a jumbled squee-fest of how much I love this book and why Desmond rocks!

Deep Dark Secret had me on the edge of my seat. I was so engrossed in the plot and the characters that I completely ignored my family while reading this book. There are few times where a book causes me to want to throw my Kindle against the wall and I experienced a couple of those urges while reading. Instead of of throwing my Kindle, I gripped it really, really hard and gritted my teeth. All this is a good thing! That means Sierra Dean has done her job as a writer and made me care about the characters, get frustrated with them, be annoyed by them and absolutely fall in love with them.

It's not a secret (heh) that I am Team Desmond all the way. I think that he has proven to be The One for Secret. He is the only man in her life that doesn't manipulate her to get what he wants. He knows when to be hands off and he knows when to jump in and have her back. That's my kind of werewolf! On the other we have the Werewolf King, Lucas. I will admit, I have been hating on Lucas but I had decided to give him a chance. I mean, it's not his fault that Secret is soul-bonded to two werewolves. So, here I am, reading, enjoying myself, wanting more Desmond (hee hee) but Lucas finally gets some one-on-one time with Secret. And does the unthinkable! I was SO pissed. It was one of those moments where I wanted to throw my Kindle but I gripped it instead. I could not believe what Lucas did (will not reveal cause it's super duper spoilery). I hurt for Desmond when he discovered it and was angry for Secret (although she didn't deserve my support cause she does something later on in the book that totally pissed me off!) Any chance of me liking Lucas went out the window. I understood why he did it but I did not like it. And I felt there was a different way that he could have handled it.

So I pretty much dislike Lucas the entire book. He does some more behind the back shady shit and this is where Secret gets on my list as well. I know she's soul-bonded to Lucas and feels the attraction blah, blah, blah but she LOVES Desmond but the fact that she did what she did with Lucas and without an ounce of guilt, pissed me off. So strike one Secret. I'm not even sure she deserves someone as good as Desmond. I hope he finds out and finally tells Lucas and Secret where to go. And then have Secret crawling back to him, begging for his forgiveness. Yeah...that's how I want it to go down.

I'm not even going to mention Holden. He's good for the one-liners and he does have Secret's back even though there are strings attached. I still don't like the fact that he manipulated Secret by making her promise him a night in bed in order for him to help her (this happened in previous novella - Secret Santa). Is he that damn desperate to get between her legs? Is her "little secret" made of gold? To use a phrase from Basketball Wife Evelyn Lozada: "He's a non-motherfucking factor" in my book. But I'm sure Dean has something up her sleeve that will drive me crazy! Holden isn't going away anytime soon. Yeah, I have strong feelings about this book, the series and the characters. I love it!

I loved this book. Sierra Dean is an evil genius. I can't wait to read the next installment. If you haven't read this series, you must check it out! And then we can discuss who's team you're on!

Another favorite quote:"So that's why all my shirts smell like you. I was starting to think I was going crazy."

Love the behind the scenes look into the Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series. So excited that after Rogue Rider, the next book will be back in thLove the behind the scenes look into the Demonica and Lords of Deliverance series. So excited that after Rogue Rider, the next book will be back in the Demonica world. Woo hoo!!!...more

Tiffany Reisz is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Submit to Desire was everything and more and ended entirely too soon. I liked Kingsley ETiffany Reisz is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Submit to Desire was everything and more and ended entirely too soon. I liked Kingsley Edge after reading The Siren. Now, after reading Submit to Desire, I am in love with him! I need more Kingsley in my life and won't be satisfied until I get more.

Kingsley isn't scary like that other one (ahem) and has a great, snarky sense of humor. And did I mention that he's sexy as hell and every scene he had with Charlie was the bomb?!?!?! Reisz packed so much into a mere 60 pages, it felt like I was reading a full length novel until I got to the end. I may have screamed "Noooo!" only because I wanted to read what happens next! Ms. Reisz is an evil person for leaving us hanging like that. Shame, shame!

I loved Submit to Desire (can't you tell?) and I am a huge fan of Tiffany Reisz. I'm already in love with The Original Sinners series and can't wait to read more....KINGSLEY!!!